Ryobi Cleaning Power - The Ryobi 3100-PSI Pressure Washer is a great homeowner grade pressure washer that can tackle most cleaning situations. Powered by a Honda GCV190 gasoline engine, you get 3100-PSI of force to clean cars, ATVs, driveways, decks, windows, and other areas around the house. We have talked about PSI and GPM in other videos, but in general, PSI gives you cleaning power and GPM gives you cleaning speed. The vertical shaft motor and pump allow the upright frame to be moved around without bending over. Integrated into the wand, a power control gauge rotates to allow the user to quickly adjust pressure at the wand tip. This model comes with a 5 in 1 wand attachment so there is no tip changes. The Ryobi 3100-PSI Gas Pressure Washer has a 3-year limited warranty.
Ryobi RY80940B Features
Powerful Honda GCV190 (187cc) OHC engine
Idle down technology for fuel savings, reduced noise and longer engine life
5-in-1 nozzle for easy spray-pattern changes
25 ft. power flex hose bends like rope for easy management
Maintenance free aluminum pump
On-board detergent tank for hassle-free cleaning
Roll cage frame design keeps engine protected in rough conditions
3-year limited warranty
30 day guarantee
PSI & GPM
If you are looking for a pressure washer, it is good to keep in mind that the PSI of the unit is what does the actual cleaning. Approximately 3,000 PSI is about the cutoff from homeowner grade to low end commercial. But GPM also have a lot do to with the equation. The more GPM there is, the faster your surface will be cleaned. If you were to spill some soap on a driveway, would a cup of water or a five gallon bucket of water wash it away faster? This unit has a lower GPM, and that is what keeps it powered at homeowner grade.
Starting and Use
Ryobi has made this unit very simple to start and use. Even if you don’t read the manual before you put the pressure washer into service there are several guides on the unit itself that tell you what you need to know.
To start the unit from a cold start, you will need to pull out the choke, turn the gas supply on and then pull the starting cord. The unit should start within the first two pulls. These directions are of course laid out extremely well right on unit right where you will need it.
Rather than 4 or five nozzle tips, Ryobi uses a 5 in 1 attachment on this unit so you can quickly adjust between the different tips. This 5 in 1 has two soap options. One for a fan spray and one for a jet spray. The jet spray allows you to get soap up to the second story of your home without issue. That was a big bonus for this unit.
When using this unit, make sure you have water flowing to the pump before you start the engine. If you don’t have that water flow, you can wreck the pump. Since the vertical shaft pump that is supplied with this unit is basically unserviceable, you would need to replace the pump entirely to repair the damage.
The nice thing about this type of pump for homeowners is there is no required maintenance. As long as you are mindful of keeping water flow to the pump, it should last you quite a few years.
Final Thoughts
We have had a unit similar to this Ryobi pressure washer in the past and they have worked great. The Honda GCV190 engine starts and runs well and continues to run well for years. The 3100 PSI and 2.5 GPM are more than adequate for nearly all homeowners needs.